Cannabis

Cannabis use is a personal choice, but comes with health risks. This includes cognitive, respiratory and reproductive problems. It is safest not to use cannabis.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of cannabis, which is linked to health, educational and social problems.

If you do consume cannabis, stay safer by following these steps:

• Delay using cannabis until at least your late 20’s when the brain is fully mature
• Choose lower-risk cannabis products – avoid high-potency and synthetic products
• Choose safer ways to use cannabis – avoid smoking cannabis, inhaling deeply and holding your breath
• If you use cannabis, limit your use to lower your risks
• Never use and then drive or operate other machinery
• Don’t mix with alcohol or other recreational drugs
• Go slow with edibles – be patient, the effects of cannabis edibles are felt slowly and people may consume large doses and experience more severe impairment
• Keep your cannabis products at home in a secure place, out of sight and reach of children and pets

Resources

• CAMH lower-risk cannabis use guidelines for professionals (PDF) - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• CAMH lower-risk cannabis use guidelines for public (PDF) - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• Cannabis accessories for inhalation - Government of Canada
• How to read a cannabis label - Get Sensible
• Safer cannabis use: Marijuana, hash, hash oil - HeretoHelp

Cannabis can be addictive. The younger people start using cannabis, and the more frequently it’s used, the greater the risk to develop a cannabis dependency. Close to 1 in 10 adults who have ever used cannabis will develop a dependency to it. For people who start using cannabis as teens, that rises to 1 in 6.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder with cannabis or other drugs, help is available.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of cannabis, which is linked to health, educational and social problems.

Cannabis can change the way the brain grows and develops. Regular use of cannabis may affect brain development up to at least age 25.

The younger people begin to use cannabis, the greater the risk to develop a cannabis dependency.

Resources

• Cannabis use and youth: A parent’s guide – Here to Help
• Talking pot with youth - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions
• The Cannabis Talk Kit- Drug Free Kids 

Medical cannabis may be helpful for some health conditions. If you think you might want to try medical cannabis, talk to your health care provider about what type of cannabis might help relieve your symptoms. You can also visit the Health Canada website for more information.

When using cannabis, prioritize safety to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some key tips to consider:

• Second-hand cannabis smoke has many of the same harmful chemicals as second-hand commercial tobacco smoke. There's no known safe level of exposure.
• Keep your home and vehicle cannabis smoke and vapor-free. Smoke or vape outside, away from children, pregnant people, and non-users.
• Children may confuse edible cannabis with regular food and drink because it often looks appealing, increasing their risk of cannabis poisoning. Don't leave products in areas that are easy to access, like countertops, cupboards, purses, pockets.
• Keep cannabis locked up, out of sight, and out of reach of children and pets. #HighAndLocked
• Keep cannabis products in their original packaging to keep them more secure. Make sure products are clearly labelled, especially homemade products.
• Growing cannabis at home has health and safety risks. If you choose to grow cannabis at home, visit growing at home for information and safety tips.
• Never use cannabis and then drive or operate machinery. It is illegal, and driving while impaired by cannabis can result in injury or death. For more information, see the Don’t Drive High website. BCAA’s campaign against driving under the influence of cannabis.

There is no safe level of second-hand smoke. Harmful particles from the burning or cannabis, commercial tobacco, and vapour can be carried up to six metres in outdoor settings.

Northern Health facilities and grounds are smoke-free. Check with your local government to learn about no-smoking/vaping bylaws in your area.

Visitors, residents and staff are prohibited from the distribution, consumption and/or sale of non-medical cannabis at Northern Health facilities and premises.

This includes any events and meetings held in Northern Health facilities.

Northern Health facilities and grounds are smoke-free. Smoking and/or vaping are not permitted in Northern Health facilities or grounds.

Educating the public about cannabis and prevention is important for reducing harm. The safest option during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, or while breast/chestfeeding is to avoid cannabis use.

• During pregnancy, the placenta and umbilical cord link you to your baby. Cannabis chemicals can pass through the placenta, potentially impacting your baby's health and development.
• Using cannabis to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is not recommended. The safest option is to avoid cannabis altogether. There are safe alternatives for managing nausea and vomiting available, consult your healthcare provider.
• Cannabis in any form can pass into the breastmilk, affecting the baby if the milk is fed to them. No amount is known to be safe.

For more information, talk to your health care provider.

• Baby's Best Chance: Parents' Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care (PDF) - HealthLink BC
• Breastfeeding and cannabis, things you need to know (PDF) - First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• Breastfeeding or chestfeeding- Health Link BC
• Pregnancy and cannabis, things you need to know (PDF) - First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)